Civil Air Patrol tours base

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nicholas Caceres
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Members of the Civil Air Patrol from various locations in south Florida toured Homestead Air Reserve base Jan. 10.

The tour, led by Capt. Scott Morris, 93rd Fighter Squadron pilot, introduced the young cadets to some in-depth information on the process of becoming a pilot. The tour included a Mako F-16 static display and watching F-16's taking off on the flight line.

The Civil Air Patrol is an organization of volunteers with a passion for flying, devoted to aerospace education. They also assist the Air Force with search and rescue operations. Senior members pass on their knowledge and experience onto the young cadets preparing them for a possible future in the military.

"Our core cadet base is 12-18 years old, but can include members up to 21 years old," said John Clark, Civil Air Patrol Commander of the group 6 Florida Wing. "Many of the students go on to join the Air Force and do great things."

At least one cadet was awaiting his basic military training date. Others simply have a passion for aircraft and flying.

"I want to be a pilot," said John Hayes, a middle school student who participated in the tour. "I love this program because I get to do cool things like today's tour and see the planes I love up close!"

The Civil Air Patrol program allows students to engage in flight training, survival training, photography, astronomy and even solo fly an airplane. The benefits also include the possibility of entering the military with a higher pay grade and rank.